‘This expansion will be a local project built with local partners to serve local families,’ says hospice official, noting construction should be complete by end of 2028<\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE
\nMARIPOSA HOUSE HOSPICE
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\nAt its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, Mariposa House Hospice (MHH) announced a major milestone in its history: the successful attainment of its $4.5- million capital expansion campaign target a full year ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n
Driven by remarkable community generosity and a pivotal matching contribution, the achievement secures funding to expand the hospice facility from six to ten residential care beds, enlarge family support spaces, and build multi-use community programming spaces on the lower level.<\/p>\n
The capital campaign gained significant momentum through a $700,000 matching grant provided by the JBS Foundation. Uniquely, the entire campaign was managed internally by a dedicated committee of volunteers and hospice staff without relying on external fundraising consultants or adding administrative overhead.<\/p>\n
Community support propels early success<\/p>\n
\u201cReaching our $4.5 million goal \u2014 when taking future pledges into account \u2014 an entire year early is a profound testament to the extraordinary heart and generosity of our community,\u201d said John Mayo, chair of the board of directors at Mariposa House Hospice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe transformative $700,000 matching challenge from the JBS Foundation provided crucial momentum, but it was the overwhelming response from local donors, businesses, and families across the Couchiching region that carried us over the finish line. This community-driven success ensures we can move directly into execution to build the physical capacity required for local families in their time of greatest need.\u201d<\/p>\n
The financial report delivered at the meeting highlighted MHH\u2019s strong fiscal foundation. Celebrating over 5 years of operations, MHH reported total combined revenue of $3.9 million for the fiscal year ending March 31\u00a0(including capital contributions) and an unmodified audit opinion.<\/p>\n
Surging demand and urgent clinical need<\/p>\n
Operational metrics presented by leadership highlighted both significant growth and the pressing need for additional beds. Completing its first full year operating as a six-bed facility, Mariposa House Hospice served 140 families and residents in 2025\u201326 \u2014 a 25 percent increase in admissions compared to the previous year.<\/p>\n
Despite this growth, capacity constraints remain a critical challenge across the region. Over the past fiscal year, MHH recorded 45 pre-service deaths \u2014 instances where individuals passed away while waiting for admission because the house was full.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile our clinical team is deeply proud to have provided care to 140 families this past year \u2014 marking a 25 per cent increase in admissions \u2014 the reality of 45 pre-service deaths weighs heavily on all of us,\u201d said Emily Lazareth, Manager of Clinical and Hospice Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single one of those 45 individuals represents a neighbour, a parent, or a friend who was unable to access hospice care when they needed it most. Expanding from six to ten beds is far more than an organizational project; it is an urgent clinical necessity that will ensure more individuals receive dignified, compassionate care surrounded by loved ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
Volunteers powering the fabric of care<\/p>\n
Central to delivering these essential services was the hospice\u2019s volunteer corps, which contributed 14,256 volunteer hours across reception, fundraising, board work, gardening, the kitchen, playing music and more.<\/p>\n
During the AGM, special tributes were paid to long-time volunteer Sylvia Smith for her sustained leadership, founding contributions, and volunteer service. The meeting also celebrated volunteer Heidi Hoover as this year\u2019s recipient of the prestigious June Callwood Award for outstanding volunteer service.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving been involved with Mariposa House Hospice since its early planning days, I have seen firsthand the profound impact MHH has on residents and their families during life\u2019s most delicate journeys,\u201d said Sylvia Smith, former board member, hospice volunteer and special tribute recipient.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, through more than 14,000 hours of selfless care our volunteers bring warmth, dignity, and peace. Through these countless hours and unwavering community dedication, Mariposa House Hospice has truly woven itself into the fabric of the Orillia and area community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sustaining the future: The Mariposa House legacy fund<\/p>\n
To protect hospice operations against future shifts in provincial healthcare funding, MHH formally introduced the Mariposa House Legacy Fund during the AGM. Managed in partnership with the Orillia Community Foundation, the Legacy Fund establishes an endowment built through estate gifts, trusts, and planned giving.<\/p>\n
Inaugural members recognized at the meeting include Joan and\u00a0Brian Barr, Brenda Brett, Bonnie Dykes\u00a0and\u00a0Family, Bradley and\u00a0Wendi Eizenga, John Hunter and\u00a0Mary Ann Clarke, Lilly of the Valley Order of the Eastern Star, John and\u00a0Marg Mayo, John and\u00a0Judy Mundell, Si and\u00a0Wendy Lowry, Hugo and\u00a0Ilse Ruff, Gerry and\u00a0Sylvia Smith, Mildred Jeanne Weber, and Jerry and\u00a0Marion Wink. A special acknowledgement was made honouring the enduring legacies of Hugo and\u00a0Ilse Ruff, whose gifts provided foundational stability for MHH.<\/p>\n
Construction timeline and\u00a0next steps<\/p>\n
Executive Director Ted Markle provided an update on the expansion timeline, confirming that the organization is moving swiftly from planning to execution. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for a general contractor will be issued this fall, with shovels scheduled to be in the ground by Spring 2027. Construction is targeted for completion before the end of 2028.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis expansion will be a local project built with local partners to serve local families,\u201d said Markle.<\/p>\n
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